Congress Bulls Charge, BRS Bears Stumble, BJP Awaits Its Rally

CL Rajam

Telangana’s political landscape has been a whirlwind of dramatic shifts, strategic missteps, and calculated maneuvers since the 2023 Assembly elections. At the heart of this saga is the remarkable ascent of Revanth Reddy, the Congress leader who defied all odds to topple the formidable Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) led by K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR). However, the past two years have seen fluctuating fortunes for Congress, a resurgent BRS, and a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) quietly biding its time. As the 2029 elections loom, the interplay of personalities, policies, and political strategies promises a gripping contest. 

Revanth Reddy’s Triumph Over KCR

Revanth Reddy’s victory in the 2023 Assembly elections was nothing short of a political earthquake. KCR, the towering figure who dominated Telangana politics for nearly a decade, was seen as invincible, with the BRS’s organizational machinery and financial clout. Yet, Revanth, a dynamic and relentless campaigner, turned the tide. Much of the credit for Congress’s win lies in KCR’s mismanagement, particularly in the final three months of the campaign. His government’s failure to address public grievances, coupled with overconfidence and disconnect from the electorate, alienated voters. Issues like delays in welfare schemes, allegations of corruption, and a perceived authoritarian streak eroded BRS’s goodwill.

Revanth capitalized on this discontent, presenting himself as a fresh, energetic alternative. His aggressive campaign, focusing on local issues like unemployment, farmer distress, and youth aspirations, resonated deeply. Congress’s victory was not just a rejection of KCR but a testament to Revanth’s ability to galvanize a fragmented opposition into a cohesive force. The win was a personal triumph for Revanth, who emerged from KCR’s shadow to establish himself as a formidable leader.

Congress’s Highs and Lows

The first nine months of Congress’s rule under Revanth Reddy were a golden period. The government rolled out populist measures, including free bus travel for women, enhanced Rythu Bandhu payments, and job creation drives, which bolstered its image. The 2024 parliamentary elections further cemented Congress’s dominance, as it swept the polls, leaving BRS with zero seats—a humiliating blow for KCR. This period saw Congress riding a wave of public approval, with Revanth’s charisma and accessibility contrasting sharply with KCR’s aloofness.

However, the honeymoon phase didn’t last. After nine months, Congress’s stock began to dip. Governance challenges, including delays in implementing key promises like the Rs. 2 lakh farm loan waiver and rising unemployment, sparked criticism. Internal factionalism within the Congress also surfaced, with senior leaders reportedly uneasy about Revanth’s centralized control. Meanwhile, BRS, licking its wounds, began a slow recovery. Some analysts even speculated that if elections were held in mid-2024, BRS could win up to 75 seats, a remarkable turnaround from its 2023 drubbing. KCR’s grassroots connect and BRS’s organizational strength started regaining traction, particularly in rural areas where Congress’s urban-centric policies faltered.

KCR’s Warangal Misstep and BRS’s Internal Rift

Just when BRS appeared to be clawing back, KCR’s massive public meeting in Warangal in 2024 proved to be a turning point—for all the wrong reasons. The event, reportedly costing Rs. 100 crores, was intended to reassert KCR’s dominance and rally BRS supporters. However, it backfired spectacularly. KCR’s inability to deliver a compelling critique of Revanth Reddy or Prime Minister Narendra Modi left the audience bewildered. Reading from a written script, an unusual move for the typically extemporaneous leader, KCR appeared uninspired and out of touch. Critics questioned the necessity of such an extravagant public meeting when a televised address could have sufficed.

The Warangal debacle not only dented KCR’s aura but also exposed cracks within the BRS. Reports of a rift in the KCR family, particularly between KCR and his nephew T. Harish Rao, began to surface. The internal discord, allegedly fueled by Congress’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering, weakened BRS’s unity. Harish Rao’s growing popularity among party cadres posed a challenge to KCR’s absolute control, creating a perception of disarray. This turmoil handed Congress an unexpected advantage, boosting its stock just as BRS’s began to plummet.

The Rythu Bandhu Factor

A critical factor in Congress’s resurgence is the potential release of Rythu Bandhu funds, a flagship BRS scheme that Congress inherited and expanded. If disbursed effectively, these payments could solidify Congress’s support among farmers, a key demographic. The timely release of funds would not only neutralize BRS’s rural advantage but also reinforce Revanth’s image as a leader who delivers. Conversely, any delays or mismanagement could reignite public discontent, giving BRS an opening to exploit.

BJP’s Strategic Patience

While Congress and BRS slug it out, the BJP has adopted a wait-and-watch approach. The party, which made modest gains in the 2024 parliamentary elections, is quietly preparing for a bigger push. With a new state president expected to take charge in mid-2025, the BJP is likely to intensify its campaign, leveraging Prime Minister Modi’s charisma and a potent mix of Hindutva, development, and nationalist rhetoric. Issues like “national spirit” and the Pakistan border tensions could dominate its narrative, appealing to urban and younger voters.

The BJP may also explore tactical alliances, potentially with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena’s Pawan Kalyan, to broaden its base. Behind-the-scenes support from disgruntled BRS factions is not out of the question, especially if the KCR family rift deepens. By dividing Congress’s vote base through strategic defections or wedge issues like reservations for backward classes (BC), the BJP aims to emerge as a serious contender by 2027, just two years before the 2029 polls.

The Road to 2029

Telangana’s political landscape is a dynamic stock exchange, with party fortunes rising and falling based on leadership, strategy, and public sentiment. Revanth Reddy’s Congress, buoyed by KCR’s missteps and the potential Rythu Bandhu boost, is currently in a strong position. However, governance lapses or internal squabbles could erode its gains. BRS, despite its organizational strength, is hamstrung by KCR’s declining credibility and family feuds, which Congress has skillfully exploited. Meanwhile, the BJP’s patient strategy positions it as a wildcard, capable of disrupting the Congress-BRS duopoly with a well-timed campaign.

As the 2029 elections approach, the interplay of personalities—Revanth’s dynamism, KCR’s resilience, and Modi’s national appeal—will shape the outcome. Welfare delivery, particularly Rythu Bandhu, will be a game-changer for Congress, while BRS must resolve its internal conflicts to mount a comeback. The BJP, with its knack for polarizing narratives and strategic alliances, could emerge as the dark horse. Telangana’s voters, known for their discerning choices, will ultimately decide which party’s stock soars or crashes in this high-stakes political drama.